Wednesday, June 18, 2014

North Fork Chena River Boondocking

MM 38.2 Chena Hot Springs Road, Fairbanks, AK – June 14 – 18, 2014

Before we left Rika’s, we had to walk over and check out the baby goat again. It had been cold last night and we wanted to make sure she was OK. She was fine and so we continued on our way.

EJ told me our first stop was going to be the Knotty Shop and I thought she was getting frisky.

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Turns out the store was all about burl wood, and carvings and ice cream. Oh yes, we had a coupon for free ice cream so we had to stop. Here are some statues made out or burled wood.

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And some more burled wood as part of the building structure.

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The North Pole was calling EJ and she felt obligated to answer. Do you know how many days are left until Christmas?

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EJ was very disappointed she hadn’t seen a moose yet, but then she got to see one up real close.

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So then it’s time to say goodbye and continue on our way.

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We had also gotten word from some of our fellow Loosey Goosey friends that they would be going to the same Chena River area we were. We had originally planned on spending the night in Fairbanks beforehand, but with this fresh news we, surprise, changed plans. We drove in to Fairbanks, got our shopping done and other necessary duties then drove straight to MM38.2 on the Chena Hot Springs Road.

Hmm. Things have changed. No longer is this place a challenge to find. There are actually signs directing you right to our favorite boondocking spot. Quite a few RVs are already there, but there is one primo spot right on the river left so we snag it.

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The other LG friends start to show up the next day and immediately the women folk go into puzzle mode.

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This is an idyllic place. We really like the views. It is a special place to us because this is where we saw the northern lights in 2011.

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We see lots of moose spoor, but no moose.

One day we all decide to travel up to the Chena Hot Springs Resort and use the hot springs.

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After an hour long soak in the hot springs and a nice long hot shower we decide to go on the powerhouse/greenhouse tour. While we are waiting for the tour to start, EJ gets to see a real moose and her baby just out for a stroll across the road.

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We also got to see reindeer, which we are told, are really domesticated elk.

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Then on to the tour.

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Whew! Boy that was exciting. For a more in depth review of the tour we refer you to our September 6, 2011 blog. Click here to see it.

One day EJ and I decide to go exploring some other potential boondocking spots.

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These are right on the river and have actual beaches. They are also pretty full. But EJ does spy this conglomeration of butterflies. We think someone spilled a sweet drink on the rocks and the butterflies were going nuts over it.

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On the day before everyone else was scheduled to leave, the weather decided to misbehave. There was no wind, and it drizzled off and on all day. Accordingly, the mosquitos decided we were breakfast, lunch and dinner and attacked with serious fervor. However, not to be conquered by a miniscule insect, we all (except Sheila) donned our head nets, and sat outside in spite of them.

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Dennis and Carol Hill showed up and saw our attire and immediate declared no way they were coming here.

Then the morning came when everyone departed, but us. We looked around and saw that we were the only RV left. Rain nor rising river shall keep us from one more day.

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Next stop, Fairbanks.

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